On Tue, 22 May 2007 02:52:52 -0400 (EDT), Szabolcs wrote:
> Murray Eisenberg wrote:
>
>> Mathematica 6.0 allows input via a gamepad/controller, and the 6.0 docs
>> mention the "Wolfram Research 2+12 degree-of-freedom gamepad."
>>
>> Does anybody have information about that gamepad?
>>
>
> But what is the controller interface really good for? I cannot imagine a
> _Mathematica_ application where a gamepad would provide a real advantage
> over a simple mouse.
>
> Szabolcs
A typical mouse provides 3 axes of movement (including the mousewheel) and=
3-5
buttons. It's very well designed for that purpose, but shoehorning more=
degrees
of freedom into it becomes very awkward.
A gamepad is very well designed for 4 axes of movement (especially when
adjusting them all simultaneously) and many more buttons. There are some
interfaces for which this can be very natural, and for which you don't lose=
much
by losing the fine precision control a mouse gives you.
I think we have a lot to learn about what kinds of interfaces would benefit.=
If
you search for 'gamepad' on http://demonstrations.wolfram.com, you'll see a=
few
where it was specifically considered. Also, try using a gamepad to explore=
a 3D
graphic.
There's a little confusion about the "Wolfram Research...gamepad", but we've=
found that the Logitech Dual Action gamepads work very well. And, of=
course,
we've tested Mathematica with many other gamepads. However, it seems that=
an
open secret in the gaming community is that not all gamepads are as=
compatible
as you might wish them to be, so your mileage may vary.
Sincerely,
John Fultz
jfultz at wolfram.com
User Interface Group
Wolfram Research, Inc.